The People of the Bijoulite Lithocracy

Gemlins

Men and women of short stature, this grey-skinned people are said to be the descendants of the last people who were altered by their beloved gem of emotion. Standing at around 4’3-4’7 feet, they’ve acclimated to a life spent primarily within narrow tunnels and hallowed out caves. Their skin and bones are both thick, likely an adaption to better survive any potential falling rocks within their subterranean homes. Gemlins do not sweat like ordinary humans, kept cool within the mountains. However, there are those who have formed settlements on the surface for both trade and for agricultural purposes. A surprising side-effect of dealing with the intense heat of the equator is that these surface-dwelling gemlins’ skin begin to wrinkle and crack, forming small crevices. When taking baths, be it in water or in mud, these crevices allow for both absorbing and storing of moisture more effectively to help keep their bodies cool. These surface imperfections are culturally seen as quite ugly however, not fitting the ideal of being smooth as stone like those who dwell under the surface.

Her Pebbles

Said to be the first tribe to be reforged by the sparkling gem, their patron goddess, these glowing stones can be found all throughout the land of the lustrous. On the surface, these rocks look quite similar to any other with a key difference in cracks that permeate their surface. It is from these cracks that they give of luminescence in almost ever-shifting colors. Outsiders often find these to lack any true pattern, but the local populace swear that it is a rudimentary way of communication though they will seldom help interpret the stones’ messages for said outsiders. They are considered the closest remains of the imprisoned princess, bringing one harm is considered the greatest act of sacrilege in the land. Any citizen who witnesses such an act is obligated to terminate the perpetrator with extreme prejudice.

Crimson Roots

Her Pebbles are often surrounded by, and sometimes transported with slowly moving roots sprouting from the ground. These pale roots, named after the blood-red leaves that grow from them, can primarily be found under the mountain and form the basis for many of the subterranean settlements in the country. The leaves that grow off of these roots as well as their sap are often harvested by gemlins, used both as fertilizer and for feeding livestock, the latter being a favorite for their large, insectoid cattle who have no problem dissecting the otherwise poisonous but extremely nutrient rich harvests.
On rare occasions, these roots will bear a large, pale-red fruits with an almost crystal-like shape. Once they begin to sprout, a gemlin is chosen as it’s designated caretaker. This is a highly regarded position, as once the fruit as grown ripe it will be harvested and have its juices pressed and purified. Once fully prepared, the caretaker will then consume this juice, the psychedelic affect of which is said to be a vision from the goddess. These can be all from asking for a sacrifice, to inspiring great works of art, to warnings of great threats in the future. To help nurture these vital fruits, and in the hopes of keeping the roots healthy as a whole, blood sacrifices are a fairly common practice. This is usually done using prisoners of war and criminals.